Give life-changing gifts in 2007

We've recovered from the demands of Christmas shopping, agonising over what to buy people.

Perhaps you were lucky like me, to receive a very special gift. Mine was a basic school kit to help a World Vision sponsored child. You may have received a farm animal.

So why reserve such a gift for Christmas? Is it because of the nature of Christmas that we think these are appropriate for then but no other time?

How about we rethink that and consider philanthropic gifts for every occasion?

Imagine giving a chook on Valentine's Day? Or a mosquito net on Father's Day? Perhaps a goat or water bore for a birthday present.

We don't need more stuff. But plenty of people need food, water, shelter, medicines.

Consider philanthropic giving each gift-giving opportunity. For useful gift sources visit:

World Vision

www.worldvision.org

Oxfam

www.oxfam.org

Tear Australia

http://www.usefulgifts.org

Dr Ann Villiers, learning guide, professional speaker and author, is Australia 's only Mental Nutritionist� specialising in mind and language practices that help people build flexible thinking, confident speaking and quality connections with people. Visit www.mentalnutrition.com.

You'll find more articles under Resources, Selection Criteria, Wellbeing and Daring Dames.